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Wilson recognized with Clemente Award nomination

Wilson recognized with Clemente Award nomination

ANAHEIM -- C.J. Wilson has been named the Angels' nominee for the 2012 Roberto Clemente Award, which represents Major League Baseball's primary avenue for recognizing players' philanthropic efforts.

Thirty players were nominated on Tuesday -- one per club -- and nine of them were All-Stars in 2012, including the Orioles' Jim Johnson, the White Sox's Jake Peavy, the Tigers' Miguel Cabrera, the Cardinals' Matt Holliday, the Giants' Matt Cain, the Mariners' Felix Hernandez, the Rays' David Price and the Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw.

Fans can take part in voting for the national award through Oct. 4 at MLB.com/ClementeAward. The winner of the fan poll will receive one vote among those cast by a selection panel.

"I am honored to have my off-the-field work recognized," Wilson said in a statement. "To be on a list with these other distinguished players is a testament to how important it is for Major League Baseball players to give back and be a positive factor in their communities."

The Clemente Award, named after the Hall of Famer who died in a plane crash while delivering supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua 30 years ago, is presented by Chevrolet and "pays tribute to Clemente's achievements and character by recognizing current players who truly understand the value of helping others," according to a release.

Wilson, recognized on the field prior to Tuesday's game against the Rangers, gives back via a children's charity under his own name and is also involved with the Boys & Girls Club of Huntington Valley, Calif., where he was a member from 9 to 11 years old. In honor of Wilson being a Clemente Award nominee, the Angels and Chevrolet will present that Boys & Girls Club with a $7,500 donation.

"We are proud to nominate a player who gives his maximum effort both on and off the field," Angels chairman Dennis Kuhl said in a statement. "It has been a pleasure to witness C.J. giving back to the community that gave him so much as a child growing up in Orange County."